[Temporomandibular joint fractures in children. A clinical and radiological follow-up in 30 patients].

Disturbances of facial growth, occlusion and temporomandibular joint function respectively are all possible sequelae of condylar fractures in children. In this study 30 children (age at accident from 9 months to 14 years, mean 6 years and 9 months) were reexamined who had sustained conservatively treated condylar fractures. Dysfunction and disturbances within the stomathognathic system were assessed by a clinical and radiographic examination. The mean interval between the accident and the follow-up study was 4 years and 11 months. The maximal interincisive distance was always better than 35 mm. The "en face" analysis revealed 6 cases with an inclined occlusion plane referring to the horizontal plane. Only 3 patients, all with bilateral condylar fractures, showed a restricted mandibular mobility. Remodelling of the condylar head was very good in 77% of the cases. In the frontal plane, 21% of the unilateral cases and 33% of the bilateral cases respectively had a persistent medial inclination of the condyle. The measured difference in length of the processus articularis showed the highest correlation to the previous condylar fracture. The radiological evaluation after Ricketts (1960) and Mulick (1965) to assess facial asymmetry revealed six cases (20%) with a relevant angle difference of more than 5 degrees.